Chapter 21: Evil Spirits Enter the House

Beside him, Li Xiao raised an eyebrow. Just moments ago, he’d been criticizing the Su family with me, and now he’s changed his tune?

But since this involved the little girl’s uncle…

“In that case, I’ll join the festivities too,” Li Xiao declared.

Mu Yunzhe stared at him in disbelief, his eyes practically shouting, You’re serious, Master Xiao? You never attend private parties like this!

This confirms it—his relationship with Abbot Yan is definitely unusual!

Yan Zhengtian was equally stunned but had no choice but to accept the honor. Yan Hao, however, pouted in frustration. With two such influential figures attending, the Su family’s arrogance would soar. Ugh, I can’t stand their smug faces.

---

Meanwhile, at the Su Estate…

In a second-floor study of the mansion, Su Sheng and his daughter Su Xiaofei conversed.

“Dad, do you think Young Master Mu will come?” she asked eagerly.

Over the past two years, Su Xiaofei had blossomed into a beauty, her suitors endless. Yet she remained fixated on Mu Yunzhe, dreaming nightly of winning his heart.

“He’ll come. I sent the invitation myself. Focus on impressing him tonight,” Su Sheng asserted confidently.

“I trust you, Dad. Just like you predicted Sun Meiyi’s death—the announcement came today!”

“Naturally. With divine protection, our Su family will prosper in all endeavors. Our wishes will come true!” Su Sheng’s lips curled into an eerie smile, mirrored perfectly by his daughter.

“Will Mom be able to greet guests tonight? She’s been bedridden for so long…” Su Xiaofei frowned, feigning concern.

Su Sheng waved a dismissive hand. “Leave her be. She has… greater responsibilities.” His triumphant expression held no trace of spousal care. Su Xiaofei nodded absently, her mind already racing with ambitions.

---

Forty minutes later, the Yan family arrived at the Su mansion with Li Xiao and Mu Yunzhe.

As Yan Qiao stepped out of the car, her gaze swept over the opulent villa. A crease formed between her brows. Now I understand why Third Brother called this place strange…

Though the sunny day was warm enough for Yan Hao’s short sleeves, an unnatural chill clung to the estate. He rubbed his arms, recognizing the same bone-deep cold from their late-night visit to his sister-in-law’s haunted home. Li Xiao and Mu Yunzhe exchanged glances before turning to Yan Qiao.

“Qiaoqiao, is this place cursed? Why does it feel so sinister?” Yan Hao whispered.

“Evil spirits have invaded. They’re courting doom,” she replied icily.

The group stiffened. Li Xiao’s eyes narrowed—earlier, Mu Yunzhe had mentioned the Su family’s inexplicable rise to wealth. So they resorted to dark arts.

“What do you mean, Qiaoqiao? Is something wrong here?” Su Min asked anxiously. Despite her strained ties to the Su family, it was still her birth home.

“They’ve reaped what they sowed. Greed always breeds destruction,” Yan Qiao stated impassively. “Does everyone have their talismans? Buy extras now if needed.”

“I’ve got mine!” Yan Hao patted his pocket—he’d carried his sister’s protective charms religiously since witnessing her powers. Li Xiao and Mu Yunzhe nodded, while Su Min and her husband confirmed theirs.

Yan Zhengtian cleared his throat sheepishly. “I… forgot mine.”

“How could you forget Qiaoqiao’s talisman?!” Su Min chided.

Yan Qiao produced a new talisman from her pocket, crafted with premium materials for enhanced potency. “Wear this. Next time, you pay.”

“Thank you, Qiaoqiao.” Her father accepted it gingerly.

“Don’t thank her—transfer 200 yuan later!” Su Min reminded.

Yan Qiao shook her head. “This one’s free. Next time costs.” Yan Zhengtian’s expression soured.

Turning to Mu Yunzhe, she asked pointedly, “Young Master Mu, do you have yours?”

He startled. “Y-Yes! Multiple!”

“Good. Stay close to us. We won’t linger.”

Mu Yunzhe paled, recalling Su Xiaofei’s obsessive advances. Why did I come? But seeing Yan Qiao’s calm demeanor, he straightened. With her here, what’s there to fear?

---

As other guests arrived, the group entered. At the mansion’s entrance, Su Sheng and Su Xiaofei greeted VIPs. Spotting Mu Yunzhe—and the legendarily reclusive Li Xiao beside him—Su Sheng nearly tripped over himself.

“Master Xiao! Young Master Mu! This humble host is overwhelmed by your presence!” he gushed, chest puffing with pride.

“Welcome to our home, Young Master Mu!” Su Xiaofei simpered, eyes devouring him.

Mu Yunzhe suppressed a shudder at her predatory gaze. Behind them, the Yan family received no acknowledgment—not even a glance from the Su relatives. Su Min’s heart ached at the deliberate snub.

“Let’s go inside,” Yan Qiao murmured, squeezing her mother’s hand. Yan Hao and Yan Chen flanked them, the former buzzing with morbid curiosity about the mansion’s secrets. Yan Zhengtian abandoned attempts at courtesy when Su Sheng ignored him.

Just then, Li Xiao’s glacial voice cut through the air:

“Su Sheng.”

The host froze mid-gloat. Every guest within earshot turned.